Pastor Philip Nissley has been the Senior Pastor of New Hope Assembly for 24+ years. He has a passion for the Downriver community and Detroit to be changed by the power of God.
SPIRITUALITY AND FAITH
PEACE OF CHRIST FOR
THE FUTURE
Article by Pastor Philip Nissley,
New Hope Assembly of God, Taylor, MI
Long ago a King wanting to calm his nerves, sought a perfect picture of “peace”. Not finding one that satisfied him, he announced a contest to produce that masterpiece. His challenge stirred the imagination of artists everywhere, and paintings arrived from far & wide. Finally the day of revelation arrived. The judges uncovered one peaceful scene after another, as viewers clapped & cheered and tensions grew. Only two pictures remained veiled when a judge pulled the cover from one of a mirrorsmooth lake reflecting lacy, green branches under the soft blush of evening sky. On the grassy shore a flock of sheep grazed undisturbed. Surely this was the winner!
Then the King uncovered the second painting, and the crowd gasped in surprise. Could this be peace? A tumultuous waterfall cascaded down a rocky precipice and the crowd could almost feel its cold, penetrating spray. Stormy-gray clouds threatened to explode with lightning, wind & rain. Amid thundering noises and bitter chill, a tall, thin tree clung to the rocks at the edge of the falls with one of its branches reaching out in front of the torrential waters as if foolishly seeking to experience its power.
Yet in the elbow of that branch, a bird had built a nest. Undisturbed in her
stormy surroundings, she rested on her eggs, with her eyes closed & her wings ready to cover her little ones, she manifested peace that transcended earthly turmoil. That’s what Peace of Christ for the Future in Phil. 4:6-9, 19-20 does for us. To gain this…
I. FIND INNER PEACE BY FIXING YOUR MIND ON JESUS
A. The peace Christ offers works in you, despite of what's going on around you!
"The medical report may not be good, but you are not worried but watchful, knowing
Isa. 49:16 says “God has you in the palm of His hand”. You didn’t get the job or promotion you worked for, but you are not upset, knowing Psa. 37:23 “The steps of a
good man are established and ordered by the Lord, and He God delights in our way”. So if a friend, family member or co-worker offends you, protect your peace staying true to God, knowing if you don't take